SCOTLAND are on a miserable run of form and they face another tough encounter on Saturday when they travel to Croatia in the Nations League.
It's one win from 14 for Steve Clarke's side…and that was against Gibraltar and the days of optimism which swept through the Tartan Army after famous wins over Spain and in Oslo against Erling Haaland's Norway seem a very long time ago.
A truly miserable Euro 2024 which they failed to turn up and utilised ultra-negative tactics was followed by two narrow defeats in the top group of the Nations League.
Scotland should never really have lost to Poland at home and it took a last gasp Cristiano Ronaldo special to beat them in Portgual.
To be fair, Clarke are hampered by a horrendous injury list with a dozen players out and they will be using their remaining games as World Cup qualifying warm-ups.
Croatia had a really poor Euro 2024 by their high tournament standards and they have started their Nations League campaign by also losing 2-1 in Portugal like Scotland.
But they were too good for the Polish at home and will want to build on that win in Zagreb.
How the bookies view it: Croatians should make home advantage count
Croatia are firm favourites here at 3/5 with UniBet, with the Scots available at 5/1 with Betfred. The draw is 3/1 with UniBet.
Recent head to heads: Scots on top
Scotland boasted an impressive record against Croatia in their first five meetings which was something of a surprise given how good the Balkan nation have been.
But Croatia finally broke their Tartan hex with a 3-1 win at Hampden at the Euro 2020 Finals three years ago.
Scotland remain unbeaten on both their visits to the Maksimir though against Croatia.
Players to watch: Che shows the way
Che Adams was a controversial call-off from the last group of fixtures after doubts about his injury when he played for Torino on either side of the break. But he's been in terrific form for his new club netting four goals in eight games for the Serie A side. He is 4/1 to score anytime with bet365.
Luca Modric is about to win his 181st cap here and is 39 – the same age as Cristiano Ronaldo who netted the winner against Scotland last month. The Real Madrid man has previous against the Scots having ran the show and scoring in their last meeting in Glasgow. He is 5/1 to score anytime with Paddy Power.
Predicted line-ups:
Croatia are without the injured Marin Pongracic, Dominik Prpic, Josip Juranovic and Lovro Majer.
Scotland have plenty of injuries, particularly in defence with Kieran Tierney, Aaron Hickey, Greg Taylor Scott McKenna and Jack Hendry all missing. John McGinn is also a huge loss to them in midfield.
Keeper Angus Gunn and striker Lawrence Shankland were the latest call-offs this week.
Croatia: Livakovic, Jakic, Sutalo, Gvardiol, Sosa, Modric, Kovacic, Sucic, Pasalic, Kramaric, Ivanusec
Scotland: Gordon, Ralston, Hanley, Porteous, Robertson, Christie, McTominay, Gilmour, Gauld, McLean, Adams.
Anything else catch the eye?
Scotland have lost their opening two games narrowly…and it might be more heartache for them in Zagreb. They also lost their game at the Euros by a goal – and it could be four in a row.
Back Croatia to win by a goal at 13/5 with bet365
Scotland have also lost four very late goals in all those games and seem to have a problem with concentrating for 90 minutes. You would expect the hosts to come on strong here as the game progresses and it's worth a go at 7/2 for a draw at half time and a home win at full time at 7/2 with William Hill.
The visitors' defensive issues could be a problem although they can usually be relied on to at least score. Both teams to score and a Croatia win looks a decent value shout at 13/5 with bet365.
This UEFA Nations League match between Croatia and Scotland will be played on Oct 12, 2024 and kick off at 17:00. Check below for our tipsters best Croatia vs Scotland prediction. You may also visit our dedicated betting previews section for the most up to date previews.
